Water in Fuel Indicator Malfunction

Water in Fuel Indicator Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

If there is water in the fuel system, the water in fuel sensor/switch will close and produce a low voltage on the signal circuit. When the engine control module (ECM) detects a low signal voltage from the water in fuel sensor, the ECM will send a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The IPC displays the WATER IN FUEL SERVICE REQUIRED message in the driver information center (DIC) when the IPC receives a serial data message from the ECM.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation

* Fuel System Description (Fuel System Description)
* Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation (Indicator/Warning Message)

Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the water in fuel sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

3. Ignition ON, observe the Water In Fuel Sensor parameter. The parameter should display No Water.

• If parameter does not display No Water, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

4. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. The Water In Fuel Sensor parameter should display Water.

• If a 3 A fuse opens and the Water In Fuel Sensor parameter displays No Water, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
• If the Water In Fuel Sensor parameter displays No Water and the 3 A fuse did not open, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

5. If all circuits test normal, replace the fuel strainer bowl.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Fuel Strainer Bowl Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for the ECM replacement, programming and setup